Legislation Details

File #: 26-0482    Version: 1
Type: discussion Status: Other Business
File created: 6/15/2026 In control: Heritage Commission
Agenda date: 6/24/2026 Final action:
Title: Sea Level Rise and Cultural Assets Briefing

Title

Sea Level Rise and Cultural Assets Briefing

 

Recommended Action

No action requested.

 

Report

Issue:

Briefing on Olympia sea level rise impacts and historic preservation

 

Staff Contact:

Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, 360.570.5828

 

Presenter(s):

Natalie Weiss

Background and Analysis:

In the presentation, we will present background on sea level rise in Olympia, including the projected impacts and our adaptation strategy outlined in the Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Plan (2019). We will discuss the City and Olympia Sea Level Rise Collaborative’s progress on implementing near-term solution and our next steps. We will discuss briefly how projected sea level rise will overlap with historic buildings in downtown. There will be time for questions.

Climate Analysis:

The proposed projects presented in the briefing support the City’s climate goals and policies by implementing Comprehensive Plan Climate Policy PC1.2 and PC2.2, focused on regional coordination for and implementation of sea level rise adaptation. Sea level rise will threaten critical infrastructure, services, transportation corridors, and local businesses over the next decades.

Equity Analysis:

Climate change affects everyone. However, some people and communities in Olympia (sometimes referred to as frontline communities) will experience greater impacts due to their age, race, gender, health, where they live, or what they do for work. The initiatives presented in the briefing provide additional data and guidance on how to implement sea level rise response strategies to protect critical services and infrastructure.

 

Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):

There is considerable community interest in sea level rise planning and implementation of flood protection measures in downtown Olympia.

 

Options:

None - No action requested.

 

Attachments:

None